Premier division: ten highlights to keep an eye on this weekend
1. Garnacho and Walker poised for another clash
A Manchester reunion may be on the cards when Burnley's Kyle Walker faces Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The wide man has started to settle at Stamford Bridge following his close-season transfer from Manchester United and showcased his abilities versus Wolverhampton prior to the international break. His assist for Pedro Neto blended blistering pace with a flawless grounded ball. His build-up for Malo Gusto involved cutting inside before lofting a ball to the back post. His celebration with Neto, mirroring his prior embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a testament of how quickly things transform. The previous occasion Garnacho faced Walker? When the Argentine netted for United in the cup final win over Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12.30pm (kick-offs GMT)
2. Semenyo key to halting Bournemouth's decline
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the entire transfer speculation treatment following a reported ÂŁ65m buyout clause for a possible mid-season move, the media setting him up for graduation from the Premier League's average tier. That is understandable from a wide player who has six goals and three assists and is delightful to watch. Nonetheless, his side find themselves in an awkward spot, having undergone a role reversal: it is the bottom-half team West Ham who arrive on back-to-back victories, while Bournemouth have lost seven-one on aggregate over their past two fixtures after an strong opening to the campaign. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped on the penalty by Emi MartĂnez in the 4-0 defeat by Aston Villa however confronting a backline lacking a goalless game in the league since the start of the season may prove the ideal tonic.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday three o'clock
3. Welbeck a surprise option for England
It was interesting to listen to Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck repeatedly during the national team window even though the Brighton attacker turns 35 next week. “Even without being familiar with him, I am aware what he can offer me,” said the England manager. “He might act as a reserve for Harry [Kane] as a quite orthodox No 9 position.” Gaining the final 42 caps back in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck might be on the plane for the World Cup assuming he manages to sustain his goal-getting exploits. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal forward boasts a greater tally over every other English performer in the top flight this season with six and will be keen to boost that total as Brighton entertain Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3pm
4. Sessegnon required as assist provider and finisher
Sessegnon's story has brought a measure of comfort to Fulham's uneven opening. The former Tottenham man, who returned to his boyhood club in 2024 following five tough years at Tottenham, has become a consistent pick, driving down the left flank with the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The issue? On two goals, he is their leading marksman this season alongside Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their top scorer last season, has netted one goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is out for the long term owing to hamstring surgery. Sessegnon is also having to step up as a creator in place of Robinson, who supplied 10 assists last season. The Cottagers' following four games feature three of the leading five and Crystal Palace, who have conceded just nine strikes in the league this season. Danger looms for a side that have earned a standing for consistency in the middle.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
The occasion for Isak to perform for the Reds
The controversy regarding Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort versus Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's deficiencies during the match as they lost to their seventh loss in ten matches. Arne Slot's team require a prolonged upturn to enter the league contest from this position, along with a major upturn in results, and opportunity emerges as seven from their upcoming ten top-flight fixtures facing clubs currently in the bottom half in the league. The danger is obvious posed by Nottingham Forest, the only team to inflict a home league defeat to Liverpool last season, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's performance when facing direct play and counterattacks that is in focus. It is time that Alexander Isak to show up for Liverpool. The expensive signing has not featured at club level in a month following a muscle issue when making his second appearance in the lineup over a short period in continental competition win in Germany. He reappeared from the bench in Sweden's loss by Switzerland but missed the subsequent inconsequential game versus Slovenia to secure his readiness for next year's World Cup playoffs. A booking on Tuesday could have made him ineligible. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
